Carolee Gaye Nickel passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at her residence surrounded by family, in Turpin, Oklahoma.
She was born on February 21, 1960 in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of Orville Duane and Geneva Smith.
She attended Sedgwick High School, where she graduated in 1978. She then attended Seward County Community College. She was known for many years as a school cook for the Turpin Schools.
On September 27, 1986, she married Ron Nickel in Fairview, Oklahoma.

Carolee was longtime member of Turpin Baptist Church. She was a living example of Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another”. Carolee deeply loved her family, friends and community. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved most and will be remembered for her kindness and infectious smile. Carolee was quick-witted and always had a joke ready to use, and loved to make others laugh.

She is survived by:
Her husband, Ron Nickel of Turpin, Oklahoma
Her Daughters, Megan Stephens and her husband Kolby of Ponca City, Oklahoma
Kaitlyn Welch and her husband Eric of Ponca City, Oklahoma
Cassandra Nickel of Turpin, Oklahoma

Her granddaughters, Avery, Hadley and Kinley Welch, and Blakely Stephens
Her grandsons, Owen Welch and Bentley Stephens

Her Mother, Geneva Smith
Her Brothers, Ron Smith and his wife Rosemary
Terry Smith and his wife Jana
Loren Smith and his wife Georgia
Eric Smith and his wife Tracie

Her sister, Rita Friesen and her husband Ken

She was preceded in death by her father, Duane Smith.

Funeral Services will be 10:00am on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Turpin Baptist Church, with Pastor Dan Cox and Brother Travis Welch presiding.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Turpin Baptist Church or to Cancer Center of Kansas in Liberal, in care of the Hornung Family Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com